Lead Machine Operator

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time

The Ground Up is a leading provider of high-quality soil, mulch, and landscaping products, committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Machine Operator to support operations in our bagging building, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and occasional leadership of team members under the direction of the Production Supervisor.

Job Summary:

The Lead Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining bagging machinery in our soil and mulch production facility. This role involves working under the supervision of the Foreman, ensuring safe and efficient production processes, maintaining equipment, and meeting quality standards. The Lead Machine Operator may occasionally guide and direct other employees as needed, acting as a point person during specific tasks or shifts. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to step into a leadership role when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Machine Operation & Oversight:
  
  
  
  • Operate and monitor automated bagging machinery to ensure efficient and accurate packaging of soil, mulch, and related products.
  • Set up, adjust, and calibrate machines to meet production specifications and quality standards.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve machine malfunctions, performing minor repairs or coordinating with maintenance teams for complex issues.
  
  
  
  
• Team Support & Occasional Leadership:
  
  
  
  • Work under the direction of the Foreman to support daily operations and team coordination.
  • Occasionally guide and direct other machine operators or team members during specific tasks, projects, or shift needs, as assigned by the supervisor.
  • Provide training or assistance to new or less experienced operators when directed.
  
  
  
  
• Production & Quality Control:
  
  
  
  • Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining high standards for product quality and packaging accuracy.
  • Inspect bagged products for consistency, weight accuracy, and proper sealing, addressing any deviations promptly.
  • Maintain accurate production logs and report daily output to the Production Supervisor.
  
  
  
  
• Safety & Compliance:
  
  
  
  • Adhere to safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards in all activities.
  • Conduct regular safety checks on equipment and work areas, reporting hazards to the supervisor immediately.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory guidelines related to soil and mulch packaging.
  
  
  
  
• Maintenance & Housekeeping:
  
  
  
  • Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of bagging equipment to prevent downtime and extend machine lifespan.
  • Maintain a clean and organized bagging building, ensuring a safe and efficient workspace.
  • Report major equipment issues to the maintenance department and track repair progress.
  
  
  
  
• Continuous Improvement:
  
  
  
  • Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
  • Collaborate with the Production Supervisor to implement process improvements and test new equipment or techniques.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in machine operation or mechanics preferred.
• 3+ years of experience operating automated machinery, preferably in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
• Experience in a role requiring occasional leadership or guidance of coworkers is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and perform minor equipment repairs.
• Knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA) and experience working with automated bagging or packaging systems.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with supervisors and team members.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a dusty or outdoor environment.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain one is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address operational challenges.
• Attention to detail to ensure product quality and machine performance.
• Time management and organizational skills to meet production deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to step into a leadership role when needed while primarily supporting the team.
• Commitment to safety and teamwork.

Work Environment:

• The role is based in a bagging building, which may involve exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and dust masks will be provided and required.
• The position may require occasional overtime or weekend shifts during peak seasons.

The Ground Up is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.